The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving

Lionel Barber, former editor of the Financial Times and renowned journalist, shares his insights on leadership and business transformation. He dives into his new book about Masayoshi Son, exploring the disruptor's remarkable journey and innovative strategies. Barber discusses essential qualities for success in journalism, effective communication skills, and the shift to subscription-based models. He emphasizes continuous self-improvement and the resilience needed to navigate challenges, providing valuable advice for aspiring professionals looking to make an impact.

Dr. Christie Smith, an experienced consultant and author of "Essential", discusses her career from Accenture to Apple, emphasizing the importance of empathy and adaptability in leadership. She highlights the need for strong client relationships and why personal credibility often outweighs brand identity. Christie also elaborates on balancing motherhood with a demanding career, the transformative impact of AI on the workforce, and the critical need for reskilling. Her insights advocate for a human-powered approach to leadership in today’s tech-driven world.

In this engaging discussion, Alison Wood Brooks, an Associate Professor at Harvard Business School and author of 'Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves,' shares insights into the art of conversation. She introduces the 'topic pyramid,' emphasizing the importance of small talk, tailored talk, and deep talk. Listeners learn strategies for navigating difficult conversations, like acknowledgment and empathy. Alison explains how mastering conversational skills enhances personal relationships and professional success, making every dialogue count.

Rob Markey, a Partner at Bain & Company and founder of their Global Customer Strategy practice, joins to discuss customer loyalty and retention. He reveals a staggering disconnect between executive perceptions and customer experiences, with only 8% of customers feeling valued. Markey emphasizes the importance of measuring customer lifetime value and adopting customer-centric strategies. He also highlights the role of leadership in implementing these changes and the necessity of recovering customer trust to enhance loyalty.

Michael J. Lopez, a former managing director at EY and KPMG and author of "Change: Six science-backed strategies to transform your brain, body, and behavior," shares his insights on navigating change management. He discusses how personal experience shapes consulting approaches and the unique challenges of leading in a hybrid work environment. Michael emphasizes that change is a gradual process requiring time and effort, and he explores the role of AI in consulting while affirming the irreplaceable value of human intuition.

Explore the world of digital transformation consulting through the eyes of a technology leader. Discover the challenges of balancing client expectations with ongoing skill development. Gain insights on navigating ambiguous requirements while leading teams through rapid tech changes. Learn the importance of communication and strategic thinking in strengthening client relationships. The discussion also touches on building a future vision and aligning stakeholder goals in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Nilanjana Dasgupta, a psychology professor at the University of Massachusetts, discusses her impactful research on implicit bias and diversity science. She reveals how media representation can transform attitudes and emphasizes the need for evidence-based strategies in creating inclusive cultures. Nilanjana shares her personal immigrant journey, tackling challenges of identity and discrimination while highlighting community support. She critiques traditional diversity training, advocating for clear evaluation criteria and authenticity in the workplace to combat biases.

Choosing the right office location for consulting careers can shape your future. Familiarize yourself with cultural fits and support systems in various regions. Emerging markets present unique challenges and opportunities, differing from developed economies. Established locations like Germany offer advantages, but face issues like the 'cool partner syndrome.' Language skills are crucial for international roles, especially in Europe and North Africa. The decision to stay local or go global requires careful consideration of professional growth and experience.

Consultants often grapple with choosing a specialization, and exploring diverse experiences can build essential problem-solving skills. The podcast emphasizes the need to avoid early specialization, advocating for a broad journey through various sectors. Analytical skills are essential, even in non-technical fields, making it vital for aspiring consultants to delve into different areas first. Valuable resources are shared to aid this exploration and help define a clear path in consulting careers.

Join Dave Durand, a nine-figure founder and acclaimed author, as he shares invaluable insights from his journey in building and scaling businesses. He emphasizes embracing life as an adventure, advocating for a shift in hiring and interview strategies to foster authenticity. Dave discusses the importance of cultivating a strong organizational culture, and balancing personal responsibilities with professional success. He also explores the joys of parenthood and the value of continuous self-improvement through disciplined actions.